(2025) Health Insurance for Expats in Vietnam: All You Need to Know

Vietnam is an increasingly popular destination for expats thanks to its rich culture, affordable cost of living and job opportunities. However, accessing the local healthcare system as a foreigner can be challenging, depending on where you go. Having a reliable health insurance plan is crucial to ensuring high-quality medical care and financial protection in case of unexpected health issues.

At Alea, your specialised expat health insurance advisor & broker, our experts have gathered everything you need to know about health insurance in Vietnam as an expat!

Why You Need Health Insurance in Vietnam

1. Differences in Healthcare Standards and Costs

Vietnam’s healthcare system consists of public hospitals, private hospitals, and international clinics.

• Public hospitals are the most affordable but often have long waiting times, limited English-speaking staff, and lower medical standards than in Western countries.
• Private hospitals, such as Vinmec, Franco-Vietnamese Hospital, offer higher-quality services with shorter waiting times and better facilities, but costs can be significantly higher.
• International clinics, like Raffles Medical, provide top-tier medical care with English-speaking doctors and modern equipment, but they are the most expensive option.

Here’s an overview of typical medical costs in Vietnam:

• General consultation at a public hospital: 200,000 – 500,000 VND (approx. 7 - 18 Euros)
• Specialist consultation at a private hospital: 1,500,000 – 4,000,000 VND (approx. 54 - 145 Euros)
• Hospitalization at an international hospital: 6,000 000 – 20,000,000 VND per night (approx. 217 - 724 Euros)
• Surgery (e.g., appendectomy): 30,000,000 – 120,000,000 VND (approx. 1,087 - 4,346 Euros)

💡 Did you know? Without proper insurance, expats could face significant medical expenses, especially for severe conditions or emergencies.

2. Limited Coverage from Employer-Provided Insurance

Many expats in Vietnam receive health insurance through their employer, but these corporate plans often offer only basic coverage. Employer-provided insurance may:

• Cover only emergency hospitalizations and general consultations
• Exclude specialized treatments, dental care, or maternity services
• Have low coverage limits that don’t fully protect against major medical expenses

It’s essential to review your policy and consider additional private health insurance for comprehensive protection.

3. Visa and Residency Requirements

While health insurance is not mandatory for work visas in Vietnam, some long-term residence permits may require proof of medical coverage. Additionally, certain employers include health insurance as part of their work contracts.

4. Access to High-Quality Healthcare

Expats who want access to international hospitals and private clinics should choose a health insurance plan that covers these facilities. This ensures access to English-speaking medical professionals and advanced treatments without excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Why You Shouldn’t Rely Solely on Employer Health Coverage

1. Insufficient Coverage

Even if your employer offers medical insurance, the coverage may not be enough in the event of a severe illness or injury.

Most group insurance policies have:

• Annual coverage limits
• Exclusions for certain medical treatments
• Restrictions on accessing private hospitals

A top-up private insurance plan can provide full protection, ensuring you receive the necessary medical care without financial stress.

2. Lack of Portability

Many expats do not realize that leaving or losing their job while living abroad can have serious consequences on their health coverage.

Most employer-sponsored plans are not portable. If you change jobs or return to your home country, you might lose your health insurance immediately.

An individual international health insurance plan offers continuous protection regardless of employment status.

Health Insurance vs. Travel Insurance: Which One Do You Need?

Although both insurance types are designed for people spending time abroad, they serve different purposes.

Travel Insurance

• Covers emergency treatments during short trips abroad
• Designed to help you return home after receiving basic medical care
• Does not cover long-term treatments
• Coverage ends when you return to your country of residence

International Health Insurance

Designed for expats living abroad for an extended period Covers both emergency care and routine medical treatments Allows expats to choose their preferred doctor and healthcare facility Offers flexibility to receive treatment anywhere within the insured region

💡 Did you know? With an international health insurance policy, you can access private hospitals when needed, avoiding long waiting times at public hospitals.

Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE): A Solution for French Expats in Vietnam

French & EU expatriates in Vietnam have the option to enroll in the Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE), a social security organization designed for French citizens abroad. The CFE provides coverage similar to the French public health system while allowing policyholders to choose their preferred healthcare providers in Vietnam.

Why Choose the CFE?

• Continued Social Security Benefits: Maintain your rights to French social security, avoiding coverage gaps if you return to France.
• No Medical Questionnaire: Pre-existing conditions are automatically covered.
• Compatible with Private Insurance: For optimal coverage, expats can combine the CFE with private international insurance to cover high medical costs at private and international hospitals in Vietnam.

As official partner of the CFE, Alea helps French expats choose and subscribe to the best insurance plan tailored to their needs.

By enrolling with the CFE + a top-up private plan, you can enjoy comprehensive health coverage in Vietnam and during visits to France.

5 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Health Insurance in Vietnam

1. Coverage Benefits

There are typically three levels of international health insurance plans in Vietnam, depending on your needs and budget:

• Basic plans: Cover hospitalization and major illnesses, with limited additional benefits.
• Mid-tier plans: Include outpatient care, maternity benefits, and private hospital stays.
• Premium plans: Provide comprehensive coverage, including annual check-ups, maternity care, and elective C-sections.

2. Customer Support

When choosing an insurer, check their customer service options: 24/7 assistance? Live chat or phone support? Services available in English, French or your native language? Good customer service is essential in emergencies or when managing claims.

3. Direct Billing (Cashless Payment)

Does your insurance provider offer direct billing? With this feature, the insurer pays the hospital or clinic directly, eliminating out-of-pocket expenses and reimbursement claims.

4. Fast Claims Processing

Some insurers process claims quickly, while others take months. A reliable claims process ensures timely reimbursement and less hassle.

5. Expertise of Your Insurance Broker

A good health insurance broker helps you:

• Compare all relevant health insurance plans
• Understand how the insurance market works
• Choose the best plan for your needs and budget
• Navigate complex insurance claims if issues arise

At Alea, we are experts in international health insurance and represent 25 well-known insurance companies. Our advisors will help you find the best plan tailored to your needs.